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Proposal to convert underutilised facility into western campus
LUKE DOUGLAS, Observer writer
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Government is considering a proposal from the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston for the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium to be redeveloped as the institution's western campus.
Minister of information, culture, youth and sports Olivia 'Babsy' Grange confirmed that the Government had received the proposal from UTech. She said, however, that any use of the Trelawny facility would have to be considered within the Government's overall plan for the development of sports and entertainment in the country.
Dancers rehearse for the opening ceremony of the 2007 Cricket World Cup at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.
"UTech has a well-developed plan in terms of it being a western campus, but we are looking at all options within the context of an overall development plan," Grange told the Observer.
She said the development of the Trelawny stadium was high on the Government's priority list for the development of sports infrastructure throughout the country and that funding was being sought from friendly countries and multinational agencies, both in terms of grants and low-interest loans.
However, the minister made it clear that no decision had been made to hand over control of the stadium to UTech.
"No decision can be taken until it is looked at within the plan for infrastructure development for sports in the country within the Government's policy for development," said Grange. "But certainly, the plan that the Government has would not exclude UTech or any other institution."
But speaking at a function at UTech a few weeks ago, Finance Minister Audley Shaw stated that the university had approached the Government to take over "an under-utilised facility in the west" and that he was in favour of the plan.
"I know of your interest in looking west in terms of your expansion," Shaw said, turning to UTech president Professor Errol Morrison. "I know of interest in certain under-utilised facilities in the west. And I want to indicate to you that when the matter comes to Cabinet you can be assured of my full support."
Both Professor Morrison and UTech pro-chancellor Edward Seaga declined to comment on the matter, saying it was a matter for the Government to decide.
Built in time to host the opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup in 2007, the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium has been under-utilised, as ambitious plans for its use as a venue for local and international sporting events have not materialised.
But Grange countered that the facility could not realise its full potential because of how it was constructed.
"The plan is to further develop the facility because it is not now a Multi-Purpose complex," she said. "It cannot be properly utilised until it is properly developed. It is limited to cricket the way it is."
The minister said the plan was to develop "a Multi-Purpose sports and entertainment complex", and that it "could include any other activity that would not be to the detriment of sports".
She said a technical team was examining how best to maximise the use of the land surrounding the existing structure. "I wouldn't want to pre-empt the work that is now being done (by the technical team)", she added.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...NY_STADIUM.asp
LUKE DOUGLAS, Observer writer
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Government is considering a proposal from the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston for the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium to be redeveloped as the institution's western campus.
Minister of information, culture, youth and sports Olivia 'Babsy' Grange confirmed that the Government had received the proposal from UTech. She said, however, that any use of the Trelawny facility would have to be considered within the Government's overall plan for the development of sports and entertainment in the country.
Dancers rehearse for the opening ceremony of the 2007 Cricket World Cup at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.
"UTech has a well-developed plan in terms of it being a western campus, but we are looking at all options within the context of an overall development plan," Grange told the Observer.
She said the development of the Trelawny stadium was high on the Government's priority list for the development of sports infrastructure throughout the country and that funding was being sought from friendly countries and multinational agencies, both in terms of grants and low-interest loans.
However, the minister made it clear that no decision had been made to hand over control of the stadium to UTech.
"No decision can be taken until it is looked at within the plan for infrastructure development for sports in the country within the Government's policy for development," said Grange. "But certainly, the plan that the Government has would not exclude UTech or any other institution."
But speaking at a function at UTech a few weeks ago, Finance Minister Audley Shaw stated that the university had approached the Government to take over "an under-utilised facility in the west" and that he was in favour of the plan.
"I know of your interest in looking west in terms of your expansion," Shaw said, turning to UTech president Professor Errol Morrison. "I know of interest in certain under-utilised facilities in the west. And I want to indicate to you that when the matter comes to Cabinet you can be assured of my full support."
Both Professor Morrison and UTech pro-chancellor Edward Seaga declined to comment on the matter, saying it was a matter for the Government to decide.
Built in time to host the opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup in 2007, the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium has been under-utilised, as ambitious plans for its use as a venue for local and international sporting events have not materialised.
But Grange countered that the facility could not realise its full potential because of how it was constructed.
"The plan is to further develop the facility because it is not now a Multi-Purpose complex," she said. "It cannot be properly utilised until it is properly developed. It is limited to cricket the way it is."
The minister said the plan was to develop "a Multi-Purpose sports and entertainment complex", and that it "could include any other activity that would not be to the detriment of sports".
She said a technical team was examining how best to maximise the use of the land surrounding the existing structure. "I wouldn't want to pre-empt the work that is now being done (by the technical team)", she added.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...NY_STADIUM.asp
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